ComfyUI Node: Free Video Memory

Free Video Memory:

The Free_Video_Memory node is designed to manage and optimize memory usage during video processing tasks, particularly when working with GPU resources. Its primary purpose is to prevent memory bottlenecks that can occur when handling large video files or complex processing tasks. By explicitly cleaning up memory, this node ensures that your system's resources are used efficiently, reducing the risk of running out of memory and potentially crashing your application. It leverages garbage collection and CUDA memory management techniques to free up memory, making it available for other processes. This node is especially beneficial for AI artists working with video upscaling or other GPU-intensive tasks, as it helps maintain smooth performance and stability.

Free Video Memory Input Parameters:

images

This parameter represents the video frames that are being processed. It is essential for the node to function, as it operates on these images to manage memory. The images are passed through the node unmodified, serving as the primary data on which memory management operations are performed.

aggressive_cleanup

This parameter determines the level of memory cleanup performed by the node. It can be set to either "disable" or "enable," with the default being "disable." When set to "enable," the node performs a more aggressive memory cleanup, including forcing a synchronization point and attempting to defragment memory. This can be useful in scenarios where memory usage is particularly high and needs to be reduced more significantly.

report_memory

This parameter controls whether memory usage is reported before and after the cleanup process. It can be set to "disable" or "enable," with the default being "enable." When enabled, the node will print out the amount of memory allocated and reserved on the GPU, providing insights into the effectiveness of the cleanup process. This can be helpful for monitoring and debugging memory usage during video processing.

Free Video Memory Output Parameters:

IMAGE

The output of the Free_Video_Memory node is the same set of images that were input. The node does not modify the images themselves; instead, it focuses on managing the memory used during their processing. This ensures that the video frames remain intact while optimizing the system's memory usage.

Free Video Memory Usage Tips:

• Enable aggressive_cleanup if you are experiencing high memory usage or if your system is struggling to handle large video files. This can help free up additional memory resources.
• Use report_memory to monitor memory usage and understand how much memory is being allocated and reserved before and after cleanup. This can provide valuable insights into the node's effectiveness and help identify potential memory issues.

Free Video Memory Common Errors and Solutions:

CUDA out of memory

• Explanation: This error occurs when the GPU does not have enough memory to perform the requested operations.
• Solution: Enable aggressive_cleanup to free up more memory, or reduce the size of the video frames being processed.

Memory allocation failed

• Explanation: This error indicates that the system was unable to allocate the necessary memory for processing.
• Solution: Ensure that report_memory is enabled to monitor memory usage and consider closing other applications or processes that may be consuming significant memory resources.